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1 month ago
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Siemens wants to manufacture batteries for trains in Bavaria in the future. According to the company, it intends to build energy storage systems for regional trains and freight locomotives in the Upper Palatinate region from 2027. The symbolic ground-breaking ceremony for the new factory was attended by Siemens Mobility CFO Karl Blaim and Bavarian Minister of Economic Affairs Hubert Aiwanger (Free Voters).
The location is Luhe-Wildenau, around 100 kilometers east of Nuremberg, where Siemens operates a factory for the pre-assembly of battery systems. The new production facility is to be built there by the beginning of 2027. The start of series production is planned for October 2027, Siemens Mobility announced.
The company intends to build complete battery systems in Luhe-Wildenau, including a new battery management system (BMS). However, Siemens will not manufacture the cells itself – These will be supplied by manufacturers such as Toshiba.
Battery systems for regional trains and locomotives
The energy storage systems are intended for Siemens' own regional trains such as the Mireo Plus B as well as for locomotives for freight transport, which Siemens intends to build in the future. Typical capacities are up to 2,000 kilowatt hours for the locomotives and 500 kilowatt hours for the battery-electric regional trains. These are intended to replace diesel-powered trains on non-electrified lines. Siemens also intends to supply customers with the battery systems.
“With the new battery system production facility in Luhe-Wildenau, we are making a clear commitment to Germany as a center of production and innovation,” said Blaim. “We are making targeted investments in key technologies, creating high-quality jobs in the region and thus strengthening the competitiveness of the domestic railway industry. At the same time, we are making an important contribution to the transport transition and sending a strong signal for the future viability of Germany as a business location.”
According to Siemens Mobility, it is investing Euro 22 million in the project, which is being subsidized by the state of Bavaria to the tune of Euro 2.7 million. The total investment volume amounts to around 35 million euros. Up to 200 new jobs are to be created in the new factory.
(wpl)
